Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Fri Feb 11 10:43:01 2005

>>> I instruct 8yr olds and could use some tips or links on what I would describe as a swooping action with thier bat being led instead of swung.
I have 4 new kids and when they grip the bat it looks like they are atempting to fly, elbows out like wings. It's almost as if they guide the bat . I have books on hitting but nothing I have done so far has seemed to turn on that light bulb. I have instructed contless others and never had this much trouble . I was planning to try the fence drill, then in my search for help I found this and changed my mind. I guess I am running low on pacients and hope.Any inspiring thoughts would be greatly appreciated! <<<

Hi Walt

If I am interpreting your description of their mechanics correctly, it sounds like a problem many young hitters have. They are attempting to use the extension of the arms to swing the bat instead of using the rotation of the shoulders. You might try doing a drill using a playing card.

Have them acquire a launch position where the lead-arm is across their chest. Then place the card between the lead-biceps and chest. Have them swing the bat to contact without the card falling. In order to keep the card from dropping, they must learn to keep the lead-arm (and elbow) across the chest and rotate the shoulders instead of extending the elbow and hands toward the ball.

I find this drill works best when using a heavy bag to stop the bat at contact. With the bag stopping the bat, the card should never drop and you can check their contact form. – Also the “thumb to the shoulder” drill I discussed earlier will help solve the problem.

Jack Mankin